B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 84
December 22, 2010
Scrooge's Nightmare
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
Proverbs 22:22-23
Solomon cautions us against mistreating the poor and afflicted for the Lord will plead their cause. What a timely reminder during the holiday season! While we dash to and fro seeking the perfect gift for our loved ones, how much effort has been expended to assist those less fortunate in life?
Are they a part of our holiday gift-giving? Do we include consideration for their necessities of life in our long list of electronic gadgets and latest rage for gifts? I often wonder, which will be more appreciated? Which will have a lasting impact upon some one's life?
It is frightening to consider that the Lord will plead their issue. How will you respond to his challenge? Can you turn your head or cross the street to ignore Christ? Will you push Him away? Remember Jesus words in Matthew 25:40 - "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Don't be a Scrooge this Christmas. Share his blessing with those around you. You will be assured not to have Scrooge's nightmares but the blessings of our Creator!
Proverbs 22:22-23
Solomon cautions us against mistreating the poor and afflicted for the Lord will plead their cause. What a timely reminder during the holiday season! While we dash to and fro seeking the perfect gift for our loved ones, how much effort has been expended to assist those less fortunate in life?
Are they a part of our holiday gift-giving? Do we include consideration for their necessities of life in our long list of electronic gadgets and latest rage for gifts? I often wonder, which will be more appreciated? Which will have a lasting impact upon some one's life?
It is frightening to consider that the Lord will plead their issue. How will you respond to his challenge? Can you turn your head or cross the street to ignore Christ? Will you push Him away? Remember Jesus words in Matthew 25:40 - "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Don't be a Scrooge this Christmas. Share his blessing with those around you. You will be assured not to have Scrooge's nightmares but the blessings of our Creator!
December 21, 2010
The Wrong Congregation
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Proverbs 21:16
I am not a big fan of horror movies but the grisly image painted by Solomon shakes me to the bone! The image of a church full of dead people is literally frightening! Can you imagine waking in a room full of silent skeletons? No matter how brave your heart, it would be more than a heart could stand!
Solomon's strict warning against leaving the way of salvation is just that: a frightening concept. Imagine, knowing the pleasure of walking with God only to choose to depart from His way? What would prompt a person to do such a thing? Simply put, choosing our way versus His way. It is frightening but a reality with those who choose not to follow Christ.
If you have loved ones who have not accepted Christ, renew your efforts to lead them out of the dead and into the living! The friends they keep will not be so frightening!
Proverbs 21:16
I am not a big fan of horror movies but the grisly image painted by Solomon shakes me to the bone! The image of a church full of dead people is literally frightening! Can you imagine waking in a room full of silent skeletons? No matter how brave your heart, it would be more than a heart could stand!
Solomon's strict warning against leaving the way of salvation is just that: a frightening concept. Imagine, knowing the pleasure of walking with God only to choose to depart from His way? What would prompt a person to do such a thing? Simply put, choosing our way versus His way. It is frightening but a reality with those who choose not to follow Christ.
If you have loved ones who have not accepted Christ, renew your efforts to lead them out of the dead and into the living! The friends they keep will not be so frightening!
December 20, 2010
The Best Present Under The Tree
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7
We often struggle for just the right gift for our children. Something that is memorable, highly desired and possibly sentimental are attributes we use when seeking the ultimate present for our own special children. Perhaps, Solomon describes the best gift of a lifetime in the verse above.
What parent does not desire to see their children blessed by the Lord? While we have limited resources to provide for our children, the Lord has infinite resources and abilities to bless our children! But the price can not be placed on our credit card for payment after the holidays. It requires daily payment in a non-monetary fashion - our behavior. I was blessed with a father who set the example of living a Christian life and more importantly taught me how to recover when I failed to follow Christ. While he gave me many wonderful gifts over the years. His personal example of living a Christian life was the best gift I ever received from my parents.
What are we giving our children today? Are we coping with the stresses of life and the holidays? Do we unveil our bitterness towards others within the confines of our home? Do we earnestly seek and involve God in our daily life? While we personally benefit from following Christ, the blessings to our children is promised in the verse above.
Give the ultimate gift to your children by submitting you will to His will. It is the present that will last all year and never grow old!
Proverbs 20:7
We often struggle for just the right gift for our children. Something that is memorable, highly desired and possibly sentimental are attributes we use when seeking the ultimate present for our own special children. Perhaps, Solomon describes the best gift of a lifetime in the verse above.
What parent does not desire to see their children blessed by the Lord? While we have limited resources to provide for our children, the Lord has infinite resources and abilities to bless our children! But the price can not be placed on our credit card for payment after the holidays. It requires daily payment in a non-monetary fashion - our behavior. I was blessed with a father who set the example of living a Christian life and more importantly taught me how to recover when I failed to follow Christ. While he gave me many wonderful gifts over the years. His personal example of living a Christian life was the best gift I ever received from my parents.
What are we giving our children today? Are we coping with the stresses of life and the holidays? Do we unveil our bitterness towards others within the confines of our home? Do we earnestly seek and involve God in our daily life? While we personally benefit from following Christ, the blessings to our children is promised in the verse above.
Give the ultimate gift to your children by submitting you will to His will. It is the present that will last all year and never grow old!
December 19, 2010
Little White Lies
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.
Proverbs 19:9
We love to see liars punished, except when it is us! No one enjoys being the recipient of a lie - we feel cheated, betrayed and unloved. And we fail to understand the thought process that would allow someone we trust to lie to us. And yet, we do the same to others. However, we justify our actions by categorizing our lies into the "little white lies" area. No one will get hurt and no evil intentions are behind our misleading statements. Simply the truth is not a convenient option at the time.
I have searched the bible multiple times and have yet to locate a distinction in lies. Whether they be malicious or kind is never discussed. Simply, they are wrong. We see numerous incidents throughout the bible where lies manifest themselves into grievous problems. And I have experienced the same in my life.
One lie usually requires another to support it. Before long, we are trapped within the web of lies we have strewn and it eventually comes crashing down with horrific results. Why not resist the temptation initially so that we and others do not suffer? Our results of lying are no better than Peter denying Christ before the rooster crowed. (Matthew 26:69-75) While we may receive forgiveness from Christ, much like Peter, the pain and suffering of others is not removed.
So, as we pause to place our response in the "little white lie" category, let's pause a little longer and remain silent. Words unspoken can not harm others.
Proverbs 19:9
We love to see liars punished, except when it is us! No one enjoys being the recipient of a lie - we feel cheated, betrayed and unloved. And we fail to understand the thought process that would allow someone we trust to lie to us. And yet, we do the same to others. However, we justify our actions by categorizing our lies into the "little white lies" area. No one will get hurt and no evil intentions are behind our misleading statements. Simply the truth is not a convenient option at the time.
I have searched the bible multiple times and have yet to locate a distinction in lies. Whether they be malicious or kind is never discussed. Simply, they are wrong. We see numerous incidents throughout the bible where lies manifest themselves into grievous problems. And I have experienced the same in my life.
One lie usually requires another to support it. Before long, we are trapped within the web of lies we have strewn and it eventually comes crashing down with horrific results. Why not resist the temptation initially so that we and others do not suffer? Our results of lying are no better than Peter denying Christ before the rooster crowed. (Matthew 26:69-75) While we may receive forgiveness from Christ, much like Peter, the pain and suffering of others is not removed.
So, as we pause to place our response in the "little white lie" category, let's pause a little longer and remain silent. Words unspoken can not harm others.
December 18, 2010
Wasted Riches
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Proverbs 18:9
While the Lord blesses us mightily, we sometimes fail to see it. Perhaps, it is because we are like the two described in the verse above. Solomon points to two methods of minimizing our wealth in blessings - laziness and wasting.
If we are lazy, we mirror the parable given by Jesus of the lazy servant (Matthew 25:14-30). Likewise, what was given by our Lord will be taken away. And the waster can deplete more than is given simply by throwing it away. No matter how much wealth is provided, it is never enough! The bottom line is that we should wisely use what is given to us to increase its worth. Paul describes many of the gifts given to us in Romans 12:4-11. And his exhortation? Do not be slothful with your gifts!
Take time to evaluate the gifts given to you from the Lord. Are you using them wisely to bring credit to our Master? If so, he will reward you upon his return!
Proverbs 18:9
While the Lord blesses us mightily, we sometimes fail to see it. Perhaps, it is because we are like the two described in the verse above. Solomon points to two methods of minimizing our wealth in blessings - laziness and wasting.
If we are lazy, we mirror the parable given by Jesus of the lazy servant (Matthew 25:14-30). Likewise, what was given by our Lord will be taken away. And the waster can deplete more than is given simply by throwing it away. No matter how much wealth is provided, it is never enough! The bottom line is that we should wisely use what is given to us to increase its worth. Paul describes many of the gifts given to us in Romans 12:4-11. And his exhortation? Do not be slothful with your gifts!
Take time to evaluate the gifts given to you from the Lord. Are you using them wisely to bring credit to our Master? If so, he will reward you upon his return!
December 17, 2010
A Wise Fool
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:28
Solomon points out that when a fool is silent, he is considered wise and full of understanding. It is only when we open our mouth that we remove all doubt! But the temptation to speak, at times, is overpowering. Whether it be in anger or to gossip, we can't seem to keep our words to ourselves.
It is beyond my ability to determine who is foolish or wise. However, the words that some speak clearly indicate the foolishness of their thoughts. Likewise, if I am still a fool, I consider it wise to keep my words restrained at times. For out of our heart are our thoughts and our words from our thoughts. David describes it best in Psalms 19:14 - Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
If our heart is pure, our words will be acceptable to God. If not, we are but speaking foolishly. Silence the critics by silencing your words. More importantly, gain approval of the One that matters most by speaking only words led by Him.
Proverbs 17:28
Solomon points out that when a fool is silent, he is considered wise and full of understanding. It is only when we open our mouth that we remove all doubt! But the temptation to speak, at times, is overpowering. Whether it be in anger or to gossip, we can't seem to keep our words to ourselves.
It is beyond my ability to determine who is foolish or wise. However, the words that some speak clearly indicate the foolishness of their thoughts. Likewise, if I am still a fool, I consider it wise to keep my words restrained at times. For out of our heart are our thoughts and our words from our thoughts. David describes it best in Psalms 19:14 - Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
If our heart is pure, our words will be acceptable to God. If not, we are but speaking foolishly. Silence the critics by silencing your words. More importantly, gain approval of the One that matters most by speaking only words led by Him.
December 16, 2010
Healthy Sweets
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
I have always loved pure honey. And its health benefits continue to be identified. What a winning combination - something that is sweet and good for you! Solomon compares the benefits of honey to that of pleasant words - sweet to the soul and health to the bones. We can all attest to the benefits of pleasant words - it instantly makes us feel appreciated and our efforts worthwhile. And the cost of kind words? Nothing but taking the effort to notice someones efforts and voicing our appreciation.
Why, then, are pleasant words so rare? The next time you are in a public area, take note of how many pleasant words are exchanged vice stinging words of criticism. Dare I challenge you to the same poll within your home? We all love receiving kind words, so why do we refrain from sharing such joy with others? It is easily within our ability to spread such a healthy sweet and costs so little. Yet, such words are sometimes scarce from our lips.
I encourage you to join me in resolving to spreading cheer the old fashion way this year - by praising those around us!
Proverbs 16:24
I have always loved pure honey. And its health benefits continue to be identified. What a winning combination - something that is sweet and good for you! Solomon compares the benefits of honey to that of pleasant words - sweet to the soul and health to the bones. We can all attest to the benefits of pleasant words - it instantly makes us feel appreciated and our efforts worthwhile. And the cost of kind words? Nothing but taking the effort to notice someones efforts and voicing our appreciation.
Why, then, are pleasant words so rare? The next time you are in a public area, take note of how many pleasant words are exchanged vice stinging words of criticism. Dare I challenge you to the same poll within your home? We all love receiving kind words, so why do we refrain from sharing such joy with others? It is easily within our ability to spread such a healthy sweet and costs so little. Yet, such words are sometimes scarce from our lips.
I encourage you to join me in resolving to spreading cheer the old fashion way this year - by praising those around us!
December 15, 2010
The List of Good and Bad
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:3
As a child, I grew up listening to the song warning children that Santa Claus knew who was naughty or nice. Quite an intimidating feat for a youngster to comprehend. However, as I have grown and accepted Christ, it pales in comparison to the omniscience of God. He not only can see our behavior but he knows our heart as well. While we may be kind and smiling on the outside, he knows our true feelings. Jeremiah sums it up best: I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve. (Jeremiah 17:10)
Even within my feeble mind, I shudder when I try to balance the good and bad in my life. I quickly recognize that I am not worthy of any gifts based upon my behavior. But then I have received the greatest gift of all time - God's grace. Not that I was worthy, but because he loved me! Paul is much more adept of describing God's gift of grace in Romans 5 & 6. What a gift! What a reason to celebrate and have a holiday! God's gift began with the incarnation of his one and only son on the day we celebrate as Christmas.
While we need to recognize the severity of our unworthiness, this time of the year is focused on the greatest gift to mankind - God's Son for our sins.
Proverbs 15:3
As a child, I grew up listening to the song warning children that Santa Claus knew who was naughty or nice. Quite an intimidating feat for a youngster to comprehend. However, as I have grown and accepted Christ, it pales in comparison to the omniscience of God. He not only can see our behavior but he knows our heart as well. While we may be kind and smiling on the outside, he knows our true feelings. Jeremiah sums it up best: I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve. (Jeremiah 17:10)
Even within my feeble mind, I shudder when I try to balance the good and bad in my life. I quickly recognize that I am not worthy of any gifts based upon my behavior. But then I have received the greatest gift of all time - God's grace. Not that I was worthy, but because he loved me! Paul is much more adept of describing God's gift of grace in Romans 5 & 6. What a gift! What a reason to celebrate and have a holiday! God's gift began with the incarnation of his one and only son on the day we celebrate as Christmas.
While we need to recognize the severity of our unworthiness, this time of the year is focused on the greatest gift to mankind - God's Son for our sins.
December 14, 2010
Happy Holidays
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 14:21
It is the season where we hear and see the phrase "Happy Holidays" almost continuously. But unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be too much happiness amongst the crowds of people rushing around in preparation for Christmas. I believe Solomon has the answer to the dilemma in the verse above.
When we despise or have disdain for our neighbor, we sin. And happiness and sin can not live in the same heart. Whether it is over their ability to give larger gifts, their looks or wealth, we should not despise our neighbor. Happiness is not measured by assetts or looks but by the contentment within the soul. I have known many destitute people that were happier than the richest people on earth. Why? Because they had the love of Christ within their heart. One jokingly said that he was happy that he didn't have to worry how to keep his wealth in such a tumultuous economy! What a different perspective than those envious of their neighbor's wealth.
And the second half of the verse clearly hits us between the eyes at Christmas. Often we are more concerned with the parity of the gifts than we are the intentions with which the gift is given. When we give with no expectation of receiving something in return, we are truly giving. Interestingly enough, my heart is usually blessed more when I give with no expectation of reciprocal gifts.
Are your holidays happy? If not, pause to evaluate your heart. Push out the despiteful (vice delightful) feelings in your heart and give to those less fortunate. You too will soon be beaming with the joy coming from the heart! Didn't Jesus give us the ultimate gift with no expectation for a reciprocal gift? That is how we should celebrate his birth, by following his example of joyful giving to others with no exchange gift required!
Proverbs 14:21
It is the season where we hear and see the phrase "Happy Holidays" almost continuously. But unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be too much happiness amongst the crowds of people rushing around in preparation for Christmas. I believe Solomon has the answer to the dilemma in the verse above.
When we despise or have disdain for our neighbor, we sin. And happiness and sin can not live in the same heart. Whether it is over their ability to give larger gifts, their looks or wealth, we should not despise our neighbor. Happiness is not measured by assetts or looks but by the contentment within the soul. I have known many destitute people that were happier than the richest people on earth. Why? Because they had the love of Christ within their heart. One jokingly said that he was happy that he didn't have to worry how to keep his wealth in such a tumultuous economy! What a different perspective than those envious of their neighbor's wealth.
And the second half of the verse clearly hits us between the eyes at Christmas. Often we are more concerned with the parity of the gifts than we are the intentions with which the gift is given. When we give with no expectation of receiving something in return, we are truly giving. Interestingly enough, my heart is usually blessed more when I give with no expectation of reciprocal gifts.
Are your holidays happy? If not, pause to evaluate your heart. Push out the despiteful (vice delightful) feelings in your heart and give to those less fortunate. You too will soon be beaming with the joy coming from the heart! Didn't Jesus give us the ultimate gift with no expectation for a reciprocal gift? That is how we should celebrate his birth, by following his example of joyful giving to others with no exchange gift required!
December 13, 2010
Birds of the Feather
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Proverbs 13:20
The phrase "birds of the feather, will flock together" is credited back to Plato's time. And it is similar to Solomon's discussion above - we tend to hang out with those of similar personalities. I explained to my boys the concept of "guilty by association" in that even if you do no wrong, you will be assumed to have done wrong if you associate with wrongdoers.
So is the same with our spiritual life - Paul warn us of being "unequally yoked" with non-Christians (2 Cor 6:14-18). We need to cultivate our relationships with fellow Christians so that we can encourage each other to follow His will. People do take notice of your friends and tend to judge you similarly. Are you being judged as a Christian? Do you encourage your friends to a closer walk with God? Are you comfortable discussing His Word with your friends? If not, perhaps you need to re-examine your friendships to ensure they are strengthening vice weakening your relationship with your Savior.
While we should not be too concerned with public opinion of our behavior, we must be vigilant in our relationships with others as judged by God.
Proverbs 13:20
The phrase "birds of the feather, will flock together" is credited back to Plato's time. And it is similar to Solomon's discussion above - we tend to hang out with those of similar personalities. I explained to my boys the concept of "guilty by association" in that even if you do no wrong, you will be assumed to have done wrong if you associate with wrongdoers.
So is the same with our spiritual life - Paul warn us of being "unequally yoked" with non-Christians (2 Cor 6:14-18). We need to cultivate our relationships with fellow Christians so that we can encourage each other to follow His will. People do take notice of your friends and tend to judge you similarly. Are you being judged as a Christian? Do you encourage your friends to a closer walk with God? Are you comfortable discussing His Word with your friends? If not, perhaps you need to re-examine your friendships to ensure they are strengthening vice weakening your relationship with your Savior.
While we should not be too concerned with public opinion of our behavior, we must be vigilant in our relationships with others as judged by God.
